The high voltage match between the two great rivals of international cricket is on card on 26th September 2009 in the Champions Trophy. Yes, it is India v. Pakistan one more time.
Pakistan already played their first game on 23rd against West Indies and won it comfortably. The challenge from the West Indian team was not that great as they failed in the batting department after chosing to bat.
As far as India and Pakistan encounter in the world cup related matches is concerned, India beat Pakistan in all the matches except in the 2004 edition.
In 2004, batting first, India scored 200 all out in 49.5 overs. Sachin was not part of the team during this occassion. Skipper Ganguly and Sehwag opened the innings. Ganguly got out for 0 in the first over third ball, caught behind of Sami. Sehwag scored 10. Kaif scored 27 and Dravid scored 67. Yuvaraj was caught behind of Akhtar for duck. It was Agarkar who scored 47, that gave India a chance to think about a light chance of winning.
Though India struck early picking 3 early wickets, 75 runs partnership between skipper Inzmam and Youhana brought Pakistan back in the game. Inzman fell for 41 with scorebard reading 102. Afridi made 12 balls 25 to give Pakistan the last over win.
This year, can India take revenge? India suffers a big blow without opener Sehwag, Yuvaraj and strike bowler Zaheer. Sehwag and Zaheer were not part of the team before the tour but Yuvaraj got injured during a practice session.
In Pakistan, skipper Younis Khan is also injured and the team is keeping its finger crossed for him to join the team.
It all depends on experienced campaigners--Sachin, Dravid and the skipper Dhoni, performance and how they handle the pressure. Bhajji has to play a big role in the bowling department with his flight, doosra and off break.
It is the first match for India in their group and a win will definitely give them the world of confidence!
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